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On Air Segment: New York State DEC Forest Ranger Captain Scott Jackson talks wildfires and the best ways to prevent them as summer camping season approaches

Published on May 07, 2024

NYS DEC Forest Fires

Spring is certainly on the wetter side of the spectrum this season, as the annual New York State Spring Burn Ban still remains active through May 14.

The intent with the burn ban is to help reduce the overall risks of wildfires statewide, which are at a much higher risk of sparking and spreading in the early weeks of spring amidst a lack of green foliage and vegetation.

As a result from being enacted back in 2009, the DEC says the annual spring burn ban has helped to significantly reduce the rate of wildfires statewide.

According to the DEC, wildfires are unplanned or unwanted fires burning vegetation in areas where growth is minimal or non-existent. They may also be referred to as:

  • Forest fires
  • Brush fires
  • Grass fires
  • Range fires
  • Ground fires
  • Crown fires

Wildland fires include wildfires and those fires intentionally set or allowed to burn according to a recognized land management plan and are commonly referred to as prescribed fires or controlled burns.

Wildland-Urban Interface Fires are wildfires that burn or threaten to burn buildings and other structures.

Wildfire Mitigation is the activity of reducing the risk of wildfires and their associated property loss, forest damage, and sometimes loss of life.

Wildland Fire Management is activity related to wildfire mitigation and the use of prescribed fire to accomplish ecological goals.   

According to data collected from 1993 - 2017, wildfires in New York State are caused by the following:

  • 95% by humans.
  • Lightning is responsible for 5%.
  • Debris burning accounts for 33%.
  • Incendiary fires account for 16%.
  • Campfires cause 16%.
  • Children are responsible for 4%.
  • Smoking, equipment, railroads, and miscellaneous causes contribute to the remaining 25% of wildfires.

Be sure to check in with the DEC's Fire Danger Map. Listen to our latest on-air coverage from Tuesday, May 7, 2024 with Forest Ranger Captain Scott Jackson:

NYS DEC image.   

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